Page:Artabanzanus (Ferrar, 1896).djvu/116

108 'Now, Ubertus,' said the Doctor, lighting his pipe, 'I must have some serious talk with you, private and confidential, you must remember. Our friend the Demon has the power to insinuate himself unseen through a keyhole into any company he pleases; but I have a privilege which he knows nothing about, one that I found out by long study and many experiments, and it is this—I can detect his presence. He may be totally invisible, or he may appear in the shape of man, woman, or child, or as a bird, beast, or fish, but I shall know the fact. He is not here now, and we may speak our minds freely. What agreement exists between you and him? Tell me without prevarication and hide nothing. What did he bring you here for?'

'He brought me here, my dear Doctor, if I do not presume to offend you, for the purpose of getting me to consent to be his private secretary, and he offers me a salary of a million pounds per annum.'

'A million rabbits' tails per annum! What else?'

'As many fine castles to live in as I like.'

'As many fine dog-kennels and pigsties to live in as you like! Anything else?'

'Nothing else, sir, except pleasure and happiness for ever.'

'Yes—for ever—the pleasure and happiness of the cursed and the damned for ever. You saw his lovely daughter, Bellagranda; did you dine with her?'

'I neither tasted the dainties nor the wine which she and her maids offered me, Doctor.'

'That was well,' said he, stroking his beard; 'that was very well, and a great point gained. Have you consented to be ins private secretary?'

'No, sir, not yet.'

'Did you tell him you would take time to consider his proposal?'